“Kingsview Free Methodist Church is a multigenerational and intercultural church with a vision for ministry that begins with our community and extends around the world.”
That is who we say we are and what God has called us to be. WHY? What is our basis for believing this is what God has called us to be? The foundation of our call is God’s Word.
Jesus’ ministry began with his becoming human. The Word became flesh and blood (John 1:14 The Message). This verse speaks of Jesus’ incarnation, becoming one of us. In order to genuinely become one of us, Jesus had to live with us. So the verse goes on, and [he] moved into the neighbourhood.
Jesus’ earthly ministry began where he lived with the people he lived with. And so the mission of the church is incarnational and must begin with the people where we live.
But it does not end there. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden – let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT). The mission of the church is always focused outward, “the light of the world.”
Where does the mission of the church end? Before Jesus returned to heaven, he left these instructions, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Someone has said, “the ends of the earth have moved to the end of the block.” That is certainly true in Toronto.
In answering God’s call as a church, we are simply trying to live as Jesus lived and do what Jesus did — in our neighbourhood and around the world.